Echo Media’s Folawumi Olaniyan Emerges AAUA Best English Graduate

The Business Editor of Echo Media (a long surviving media outlet in AAUA), Folawumi Mutiyah Olaniyan has earned the Best Graduating Student of the Department of English and Literary Studies at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. In an interview with GBONJUBOLA OLANREWAJU, she shared her success stories and how the campus journalism has helped her get better.

Can you briefly tell us about yourself?

I am Folawumi Mutiyah Olaniyan, an indigene of Osun State, a recent graduate of the Department of English and Literary Studies, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State. 

What inspired you to pursue this particular field of study?

Honestly, I did not choose the course. But then, I fell in love with the challenges that come with studying English.

We heard you are the Business Editor of Echo Media. How has the organization contributed to your success on campus? 

I joined the Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists NUCJ, AAUA Chapter in my 300-level and I became the Business Editor of Echo Media in my 400-evel. The organization provided me with a platform to do better. I mean, I met with like minds, people who propel me to be better every day.

Do you think education is a scam? If yes or no, why?

Education is what you call it. People call education a scam because they only focus on classroom activities. What about the morals, the networking and other benefits that come with being educated? Trust me, it is very easy to spot an educated person in the midst of millions of illiterate. There is an aura that comes with being educated. So no, education is not a scam.

Did you ever struggle with a particular subject or course? How did you handle it?

No course is easy, and every course has its struggle. So yes, I struggled with several courses. But like I earlier mentioned, attending classes regularly and paying attention to the tutor helps. Besides, I occasionally attend tutorials organized by senior colleagues.

What were the major challenges you faced during your time in school, and how did you tackle them?

I did not have any major challenges. My parents, God bless them, took care of me financially. So I just did my part by facing my studies.

What study habits or techniques worked best for you? Did you rely on group studies, personal study sessions, or a mix of both?

It is a mix of group and personal efforts. My friends and I always go for night classes. We read individually but we come together as a group to explain and examine one another.

If you had to summarize your journey in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), because he saw me through.

Were you involved in extracurricular activities, if yes, how did you balance them with your academics? Do you think those activities contributed to your personal growth or success?

I do not have much of a social life honestly. Aside from NUCJ (Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists) and the MSSN (Muslim Students Society of Nigeria) organization, I do not have any other activities.

Are there mistakes you made that you would advise others to avoid and what advice would you give to current students who aspire to excel academically?

I did not make any mistakes. I believe I did my best when it comes to my studies. I would like every student to remember that every course is important. No course is inferior to the other. These courses that are considered "inferior" help boost students’ GPAs. So they should do what is required of them.

How many As, Bs and Cs?

I cannot remember correctly, but I had only 4 Cs in my entire year in school. A couple of Bs and some As.

How do you intend to use your degree to make an impact in your field or society?

I intend to venture into the media world. With the knowledge gained at NUCJ and my course of study, I hope to make an impact in the Nigerian media.